Bonampak

Bonampak is a celebrated ancient city deep in the mountainous Lacandon Jungle of Chiapas.  The site is perhaps most famous for the stunning full color murals but to visit is to experience another time and entirely different way of understanding the Americas.

The name means, in fact, painted walls and this comes to full meaning only when you stand in front of the Temple of the Murals. Every wall vividly depicts the scenes of battles, rituals, and celebrations that took place more than a thousand years ago. The site is on the side of the Lacanhá River, and covers more than four square kilometers. Only the most emblematic sites are open to the public, but these include the Great Plaza, with the imposing acropolis, carved stelae, and the famous Building 1. 

Stela 1 was here erected by order of the ruler Chaan Muwan II during the peak of the civilization and to celebrate his fifth year of rule. At nearly 6 meters tall, it is one of the tallest such works in the Maya world. Although it broke into several pieces when it fell, it has been restored and only small parts suffered erosion over these many years.  

The site is not noted for monumental architecture like many other Mayan cities, but the murals are nearly unique in Mesoamerica for their color, detail, and the excellent state of their preservation. All of them are devoted to the victories of Chan Muwan II, in alliance with the city of Yaxchilán, over their ancient rivals. Recognized as a National Monument in 1992, today Bonampak presents a must-visit for those interested in the mystery and intrigue of the ancient world, here more vividly preserved that nearly anywhere else. 

Most arrivals to the Bonampak site will arrive from Frontera Corozal which is itself about 2.5 hours from the Tren Maya station at Palenque. Stations at Tenosique or Boca del Cerro are both about three hours to the north.